Hampshire has had another exciting year in 2026, with an array of large-scale events and festivals taking place but the year is not over yet. Home to a host of family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 149
, currently showing 1 to 20.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Join us between 14 – 22 February 2026 and step back in time as history comes to life across the attraction with exciting historical hands-on activities!
Explore and follow the card-collecting trail to discover living history that needs your help…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
As part of your…
Arts
Basingstoke
Join us for a creative and hands-on weaving experience at Whitchurch Silk Mill! In this fun workshop, you'll learn the basics of weaving and design your very own colourful wall hanging to take home.
Using beautiful yarns and threads, you'll explore…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
This event is a great opportunity to meet members of the conservation team who are working on Victory Live: The Big Repair project.
During these informal hourly sessions, you will be able to learn more about their roles and how it benefits this…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Mother's Day
Whitchurch
Indulge in an unforgettable Afternoon Tea Experience at Bombay Sapphire Distillery this Mother’s Day.
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
Arts
Southampton
This February, step into the glow of City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories - a dazzling new trail of light, history and storytelling across the heart of Southampton.
For four magical nights, six of the city’s most iconic heritage…
Childrens Events
Portsmouth
Discover fun future technologies and explore playful making, coding, and interactive robotics challenges.
Mission Future Seas features three interactive play stations packed with future Royal Navy tech:
- Design the Ship of Tomorrow – team up with…
Childrens Events
Cowes
As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…
Sporting Event
Portsmouth
SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking, and get hands-on…
Special Events
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.
With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
Festivals
Sandown
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Show / Display
Romsey
The Romsey Show takes place in September at Broadlands in Romsey. The Show is one of the largest one-day country shows in the South and is run by a large team of dedicated volunteers. The show provides a fantastic day out with something for all the…